Volunteering

Roundabout currently has more than 50 volunteers. Without them we would be unable to function. They come from many walks of life and from many employment backgrounds. We have several retired people who now feel they are putting something back into the community. Most people have been with us for a number of years and everyone spends from one to four mornings (9am – 1pm) each week ensuring that we provide the very best service to our clients.

We are always interested in accepting new volunteers. We have a number of areas of work that you can participate in. These are described below:-

Contact Centre: Using the telephone to arrange collections and deliveries and to deal with queries; inputting data on the computer; printing labels, letters and job sheets for collections and deliveries; filing paperwork; stock-checking (includes computer and warehouse work).

Warehouse: Loading and unloading the vans; storing donated furniture; picking furniture for delivery; using labels prepared by the office staff to allocate furniture; booking items in and out using the warehouse computer. Please note that moving furniture requires heavy lifting and you should be physically fit to undertake this work.

Van Crew: Driving; delivery and collection of items. (Help with loading and unloading the van at the warehouse will be required on occasions). The driver is responsible for the conduct of the crew, the care of the vehicle, cash handling and ensuring that paperwork is completed correctly. Please note that moving furniture requires heavy lifting and you should be physically fit to undertake this work.

Woodwork repair: Repairs to collected items, e.g. replacing drawer handles and door hinges and carrying out furniture safety checks. There is also some site maintenance. Please note that moving furniture requires heavy lifting and you should be physically fit to undertake this work.

Furniture dismantling: Breaking up items that are not suitable for re-distribution to recover recyclable components such as wood and metal.

Linen store: Managing the bedding and linen; steam cleaning of upholstery and beds.

Shop: Greeting customers and dealing with their enquiries and requirements; handling cash and credit/debit card transactions; using a computer to produce receipts.

Not forgetting someone to make the tea!

We provide placements for men and women who, having suffered illness, want to get back into work in a gentle and relaxed atmosphere.

From time to time we are able to offer persons with learning difficulties an opportunity to gain work experience in a non-demanding role.

We can offer opportunities for school leavers who are keen to experience a workplace environment.

Training will be provided where necessary.

If this information has made you curious, we offer a guided tour, lasting about half an hour. If you like the look of what you see and we think you will fit in then we will invite you for a taster morning where you can try various aspects of the Charity’s work. This is all without obligation. If Roundabout is not for you, the taster morning gives you the opportunity to withdraw from any further commitment without embarrassment. However, if you do agree to join us, it helps if you can devote, regularly, at least one morning each week. This allows us to be able to plan ahead with confidence.

If you want to contact us by phone our number is 01386 83 30 30. Alternatively, you can fill in the online form which will be sent to us as an email with the information that you provide.